Nawal Ali Ahmed Mohamed^{1, 2,}, Manahil Ibrahim Ismail Shogar³, Hala Ibrahim Mohammed³, Ahmed Abdelkerim Ahmed Abdallah^{1, 4}, Mohammed Adam Mohammed Ali1^{5, 6}, Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed^{7, 8}

Background: Using heavy metals in artisanal gold mining can harm pregnant women and their fetuses. This study investigated maternal problems in pregnant women in Sudan's traditional gold mining areas. Methodology: This study is a retrospective case-control study conducted at El-Obied Obstetrics and Gynecology teaching hospital. The study comprised a total of 300 participants, with 152 women recruited from traditional gold mining areas as the case group, and another 152 women from non-gold mining areas as the control group. The data was obtained from the hospital records spanning from January 2018 to December 2023. Results: Most cases (65.7%) and controls (63.8%) were multiparous and rural (67.1%). Cases averaged 34 weeks gestational age at presentation, hence, controls 32 weeks, with a range of 8 to 42 weeks. About 63.1% of the cases and 54.4% of the controls were 37–42 weeks pregnant. The cases had 39.4% emergency caesarean section compared to 34.3% in the control group. Around 39.4% of cases returned home in good condition, compared to 61.8% of controls. Approximately, 44% of the cases individuals needed a lengthier hospital stay, compared to 20.3% of control group participants. About 9% of both groups received blood transfusions. Among those who evacuated returned products, 3.9% were cases and 1.9% controls. Conclusion: Traditional gold mining in Sudan poses significant health risks to humans, particularly to pregnant women. Community intervention is necessary to safeguard individuals in traditional gold mining regions, with a special focus on pregnant women.

traditional gold mining, pregnancy, maternal complications